Congress Responds to PM Modi's Attack over CJI Visit Criticism, Emphasizes ‘True Bhakti’

Summary (50 words): After PM Modi criticized Congress for opposing his Ganesh Puja visit to CJI Chandrachud's home, Congress leader KC Venugopal accused the prime minister of misusing religion for political gain ahead of Maharashtra elections. Modi countered, accusing Congress of being upset over his religious participation and continuing divisive politics.

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of the Congress for opposing his visit to the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, the Congress party emphasized the distinction between “true bhakti” and the “misuse of religion” for political purposes. The exchange followed Modi's recent comments at a rally in Odisha, where he accused the Congress of criticizing his participation in Ganesh Puja at the CJI’s home.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal linked Modi’s visit to the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, pointing out the timing and optics of the event. “Just when Maharashtra elections are around the corner, the non-biological PM decides to go with an elaborate camera crew, in full Maharashtrian attire, for the Ganesh Puja... Did the PM not think about what message goes across?” Venugopal asked.

Venugopal went on to accuse the prime minister of using Lord Ganesha to divert attention from questions raised about his visit to the CJI's residence, implying it violated principles of judicial independence. “The difference between true bhakti and the misuse of religion in politics is not hidden from anyone,” he added, urging Modi to stop deflecting from issues of impropriety.

The Congress leader also attacked the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for their alleged disregard for institutional integrity and constitutional values, further questioning the prime minister’s motives behind the visit.

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In his defense, Modi, who turned 74 on Tuesday, dismissed the criticism during a rally in Bhubaneswar. He accused the Congress of following a “divide and rule” strategy similar to the British and claimed they were upset over his involvement in the Ganesh Puja. “Even today, there are power-hungry people following those policies. You must have seen that the people of Congress and its ecosystem are angry because I participated in Ganesh Puja,” Modi stated.